countyscore
47.7
County Score
Cost of Living 93.1Disaster Risk 91.3Safety 55.8

County Report Card

About Briscoe County, Texas

Affordable Living Near the Median

Briscoe County holds a composite score of 47.7, sitting just below the national median of 50.0. It offers a classic rural experience with significant strengths in affordability. The county represents a stable, traditional way of life.

Above Average for the State

Briscoe’s 47.7 score is comfortably above the Texas state average of 41.9. This makes it a more livable option than many other rural Texas counties. It provides a level of environmental safety and cost-effectiveness that stands out in the region.

Extreme Affordability and High Safety

The county boasts an exceptional cost score of 93.1, with median home values at only $82,900. It also features a superior risk score of 91.3, meaning it is very safe from natural disasters. Residents benefit from a low-stress, low-cost environment.

Limited Earnings and Health Services

Economic opportunities are low, evidenced by an income score of 3.5 and a median income of $41,188. Health services are also a major gap with a score of 2.5. Additionally, the water infrastructure score is nearly zero at 0.1.

A Quiet Haven for Fixed-Income Living

Briscoe County is best suited for retirees or individuals on a fixed income who want to own a home for under $85,000. It offers peace of mind through its high environmental safety and low costs. It is the ultimate destination for those looking to stretch their savings in a safe place.

Score breakdown

Tax32.2Cost93.1Safety55.8Health2.5Schools48.3Income3.5Risk91.3Water0.1Weather55.3
🏛32.2
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠93.1
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼3.5
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡55.8
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤2.5
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓48.3
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡91.3
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧0.1
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤55.3
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨22.8
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱33.6
Lawn Care
Lawn difficulty score based on climate, soil, and grass suitability
LawnByCounty →
🛒
Farmers Markets
Local market density, SNAP/EBT acceptance, and product variety
MarketsByCounty →
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Nearby counties

Floyd County
Texas
49.5
Swisher County
Texas
35.2
Hall County
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57.5
Armstrong County
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Donley County
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Randall County
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Deep Dives

Briscoe County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Briscoe County

via TaxByCounty

Briscoe ranks as lightly taxed nationally

Briscoe County's effective tax rate of 1.084% sits essentially at the national median of 1.09%, placing it squarely in the middle of U.S. counties on tax burden. However, the median property tax of just $899 falls far below the national median of $2,690, thanks to significantly lower home values.

Below-average rate for Texas

At 1.084%, Briscoe County's effective rate runs below Texas's 1.276% average, making it one of the more tax-friendly counties in the state. The median tax of $899 is merely 41% of the Texas median of $2,193, reflecting Briscoe's modest property values.

Comparable to nearby low-tax counties

Briscoe County's 1.084% rate closely mirrors Borden County's 0.468% and Bosque County's 1.008%, placing it in the state's lighter-tax tier. All three counties share affordability characteristics that appeal to budget-conscious homeowners.

Your median annual tax bill: $899

On Briscoe County's median home value of just $82,900, homeowners pay approximately $899 per year without a mortgage and $1,500 with one. These modest tax bills reflect both the county's reasonable effective rate and lower property market values.

Verify your appraisal is accurate

Even in low-tax Briscoe County, homeowners should confirm their property valuations are fair and defensible. Filing a free appeal with the county appraisal district could further reduce an already light tax load.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Briscoe County

via CostByCounty

Briscoe's bargain rents offset tight budgets

Briscoe County's median household income of $41,188 ranks among Texas's lowest—45% below the U.S. average—yet the 20.2% rent-to-income ratio remains manageable. At just $692 monthly rent, residents enjoy some of the state's most accessible housing costs.

Briscoe balances poverty with affordability

Despite one of Texas's lowest income levels, Briscoe County's 20.2% rent-to-income ratio ranks above average for the state, reflecting the challenge of sparse population and limited economic opportunity. However, the $692 monthly rent helps working families stay housed.

Briscoe offers Panhandle's cheapest rents

Briscoe's $692 monthly rent is among the lowest in the Texas Panhandle, with only Childress and Motley counties offering similarly low rates. The $82,900 median home value is one of the state's most affordable, rivaling only the poorest rural counties.

Homeownership costs are minimal

Briscoe's $399 monthly owner cost represents just 11.6% of median income—extraordinarily low and far below the rent burden. For the rare buyer in this county, mortgages are nearly invisible relative to income, making homeownership the clear financial advantage.

Briscoe suits those seeking bare minimums

Briscoe County's $692 rent and $82,900 home value represent Texas's most affordable housing options, ideal for those prioritizing cost over amenities. However, extremely low incomes and sparse services mean this High Plains county suits only those committed to rural life.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Briscoe County

via IncomeByCounty

Briscoe County faces severe national income deficit

Briscoe County's median household income of $41,188 falls 45% below the national median of $74,755, placing it in the lowest-income tier nationally. Its per capita income of $40,723 notably exceeds the Texas state average of $33,197, suggesting income inequality or unique demographic patterns within the county.

Among Texas's lowest-income counties

At $41,188, Briscoe County's median household income is 36% below the Texas state average of $64,737, ranking it near the bottom among the state's counties. The significant gap reflects limited employment diversity and economic opportunity in this rural region.

Second-lowest earner in regional comparison

Briscoe's $41,188 household income outearns only Brooks ($31,310) among this county group but substantially trails all other neighbors. The county faces severe income disadvantages relative to mid-tier performers like Borden ($64,250) and Bosque ($69,339).

Affordable housing is main economic advantage

Briscoe County's 20.2% rent-to-income ratio and low median home value of $82,900 represent the county's primary affordability strength. Housing costs remain manageable, but the low median household income of $41,188 still limits household wealth accumulation.

Stability and gradual growth essential for Briscoe residents

With median household income at $41,188, Briscoe County residents should establish emergency funds and explore stable employment before investing. Taking advantage of low housing costs to build home equity can provide a foundation for long-term wealth while pursuing income-boosting opportunities.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Briscoe County

via CrimeByCounty

High Panhandle Security Score

Briscoe County earns a strong 98.4 safety score, reflecting its quiet rural environment. The total crime rate of 1,007.8 per 100,000 is less than half the national average of 2,385.5.

Beating the State Average

Briscoe's safety score of 98.4 comfortably exceeds the Texas average of 96.8. Its reported crime rate is about half the state average, though data comes from a single agency and should be viewed with that context.

Rare Incident Reports

In the sparsely populated Panhandle, Briscoe maintains a very low incident profile compared to its neighbors. The absence of violent crime reports in recent data sets it apart from many surrounding areas.

Zero Reported Violent Crimes

The county reported zero violent crimes per 100,000 residents in 2022. All reported incidents are property-related, occurring at a rate of 1,007.8 per 100,000.

Secure Your Equipment

Since property crime is the only recorded concern, residents should focus on securing tools and vehicles. Even in low-crime areas, maintaining basic home security is a best practice.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Briscoe County

via HealthByCounty

Briscoe Faces Serious Health Crisis

Briscoe County reports 30.1% of residents in poor or fair health—among the worst rates in Texas. While specific life expectancy data is unavailable, this exceptionally high poor health rate signals significant population health challenges and urgent need for intervention.

Worst-in-Class Health Reporting

Briscoe's 30.1% poor or fair health rate dramatically exceeds Texas's population averages and ranks among the state's most distressed counties. With 21.5% uninsured, the county faces both health crises and coverage barriers.

Regional Health Crisis

Briscoe's 30.1% poor health rate far exceeds all regional peers—more than double Brewster's 17.9% and substantially worse than Bowie's 21.6%. Even with 71 primary care providers per 100K, these resources appear insufficient to address the population's acute health needs.

Limited Resources, High Need

Briscoe provides 71 primary care providers per 100K but lacks documented mental health provider data, suggesting limited behavioral health capacity. With 21.5% uninsured and 30.1% in poor health, the county faces a crisis of both access and demand.

Urgent: Get Covered Now

If you're among Briscoe's 21.5% uninsured residents, accessing coverage is critical. Visit healthcare.gov immediately or call your local health department—insurance can connect you to the primary care providers in your county and improve your health outcomes.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Briscoe County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Rural PK–12 Focus

Briscoe County operates a very small educational network with just 2 schools serving 396 total students. Both campuses are managed by separate districts and provide comprehensive PK–12 instruction for their rural populations.

Investing Heavily in Small Batches

The county spends $8,697 per pupil, which is over $1,000 more than the Texas state average. However, the graduation rate currently sits at 84.4%, and the county holds a school score of 54.2.

Silverton and Turkey-Quitaque Districts

The county is split between Silverton ISD and Turkey-Quitaque ISD, which serve 213 and 183 students respectively. No charter schools exist in the county, as the two traditional districts handle all local enrollment.

Exclusively Rural and Traditional

Both schools in the county are situated in rural locales and function as all-in-one campuses for every grade level. Silverton School is the larger of the two, with an enrollment of 213 students.

A Quiet Educational Retreat

Briscoe County is ideal for those seeking a rural lifestyle where everyone knows everyone at the local school. If a small, unified PK–12 environment is your goal, look for properties in Silverton or Quitaque.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Briscoe County

via RiskByCounty

Briscoe ranks among America's safest counties

Briscoe County's composite risk score of 8.75 earns a Very Low rating and sits 82% below the national average. This Texas Panhandle county faces minimal natural disaster exposure compared to most American communities.

One of Texas's lowest-risk counties

Briscoe's 8.75 score ranks among the absolute lowest in Texas, sitting just 18% of the state average of 49.00. Few counties in the state enjoy comparable protection from natural hazards.

Safest county in its High Plains region

Briscoe (8.75) significantly underperforms riskier neighbors like Borden (5.69) and Bosque (36.90) in regional comparisons. Its Panhandle location and flat terrain combine to create one of Texas's most secure disaster profiles.

Wildfire presents limited but real threat

Wildfire risk of 57.98 is Briscoe's only meaningful exposure, while tornado risk (15.33) remains below state norms. Flood, earthquake, and hurricane threats are negligible in this remote grassland county.

Standard insurance with wildfire rider suffices

Briscoe County's very low risk means standard homeowners insurance provides adequate protection for most properties. Adding wildfire coverage is a prudent and affordable step given the county's only notable hazard exposure.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Briscoe County

via WeatherByCounty

Moderate Temps and Panhandle Snow

Briscoe County's annual average of 58.6°F is closer to the national median than most of Texas. However, its 21.7 inches of rain is slightly lower than the typical U.S. precipitation level.

Coolest Among the Texas Plains

At 58.6°F, Briscoe County is nearly 7 degrees cooler than the Texas state average of 65.5°F. It also stands out for its 9.2 inches of annual snowfall, far exceeding the state norm.

Less Heat than Central Texas

Briscoe experiences only 74 extreme heat days, significantly fewer than the 116 seen in Brown County. Its climate is defined by the higher elevation and latitude of the Texas Panhandle region.

Distinct Seasons and Significant Snow

Winters are cold for Texas, averaging 39.4°F with 9.2 inches of snow. Summers are warm but manageable, with a July average of 79.2°F and fewer 90°F days than most of the state.

Prepare for Real Winter Weather

Unlike most of Texas, Briscoe residents need reliable snow removal tools and winterized plumbing for freezing nights. Effective home insulation is key for a county where January averages drop to 37.9°F.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Briscoe County

via SoilByCounty

High alkalinity on the Caprock

Briscoe County soils are notably alkaline with an average pH of 7.71. This is significantly higher than the national 6.5 median and the Texas average of 7.09. Such high pH levels can sometimes lock up iron and phosphorus for certain plant species.

Silty loam with a solid foundation

The soil mix features 43.4% sand, 31.1% silt, and 25.0% clay. This distribution creates a versatile silty loam that provides good physical support for crops. It offers a fair balance between drainage and the ability to hold onto mineral nutrients.

Impressive water storage capacity

Organic matter is slightly low at 1.51%, but the soil excels at holding water with a capacity of 0.142 in/in. This exceeds the state average of 0.133 in/in. This extra water storage is a vital asset for dryland farming in the Texas Panhandle.

High runoff potential in group D

The county's soils are categorized in hydrologic group D, indicating they are prone to runoff when saturated. This means that during heavy downpours, water may flow over the surface rather than soaking in immediately. Terracing and contour farming are helpful tools for local land management.

Cooler nights in zone 7b

At zone 7b, Briscoe County has a shorter growing season than coastal Texas but is ideal for winter wheat and cotton. Native grasses thrive in the high-capacity, alkaline soil. Start with hardy perennials that can handle the Panhandle wind and the alkaline earth.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Briscoe County

via LawnByCounty

Standard Texas Growing Conditions

Briscoe County's score of 33.6 is slightly better than the state average of 31.7, though still below the national median. As a Zone 7b county, it experiences cooler winters that impact grass variety choices.

Moderate Heat and Lower Rain

The county receives 21.7 inches of rain, which is below the ideal range and requires supplemental irrigation. On the plus side, there are only 74 extreme heat days, significantly fewer than the state average of 105.

Alkaline Soil and Sandy Texture

The soil pH of 7.71 is on the alkaline side, which can sometimes lock out iron and other nutrients. With 43.4% sand and 25.0% clay, the soil provides a balanced structure that generally drains well.

Persistent Dry Conditions to Watch

The county is currently 100% abnormally dry, though only 2.8% is in severe drought right now. Having faced 24 weeks of drought in the last year, establishing a water-wise routine early in the season is vital.

Pick for Cooler Zone 7b

Both Bermudagrass and Tall Fescue can perform well in this transition zone if properly irrigated. Because of the cooler climate, you should wait until after the April 13 spring frost to start your lawn.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Briscoe County's county score?
Briscoe County, Texas has a composite county score of 47.7 out of 100 on CountyScore. This score is calculated from a weighted average of available data dimensions including property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools.
How does Briscoe County rank among counties in Texas?
Briscoe County ranks #80 among all counties in Texas on CountyScore's composite ranking. Rankings are based on available data dimensions and updated as new data is added.
What are property taxes like in Briscoe County, Texas?
The median annual property tax in Briscoe County is $899, with an effective tax rate of 1.08%. This earns Briscoe County a tax score of 32.2/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Briscoe County?
The median household income in Briscoe County, Texas is $41,188 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Briscoe County earns an income score of 3.5/100 on CountyScore.
Is Briscoe County, Texas a good place to live?
Briscoe County scores 47.7/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #80 in Texas. The best way to evaluate Briscoe County is to compare individual dimension scores — property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools — based on your personal priorities. Use CountyScore to compare Briscoe County with other counties side by side.

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality🌤Weather & Climate🪨Soil Quality🌱Lawn Care🛒Farmers Markets

Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS, NOAA — informational only.